Dwarf Jellico

Little is known about the natural history of dwarf jellico except that it normally flowers during the southern hemisphere summer, from December to January (1)

Some dwarf jellico subpopulations are protected within the Diana's Peak National Park, which is protected by a management plan (1). In the past, efforts have been made to ensure survival of this species by collecting seeds and planting seedlings in suitable habitat (1) (2). Currently, the St Helena National Trust is involved in efforts to control invasive plants and to conduct further research into additional conservation measures for the endemic fauna and flora (3).

Dwarf jellico is a rare low-growing herbaceous plant confined to St Helena Island in the South Atlantic (1) (2). It has fleshy, hollow green stems and compound leaves made up of acutely toothed leaflets. The inflorescence comprises a flat-topped umbel of white flowers that develop into small green fruit (2).

Grows on steep cliffs and rocky ledges amongst cabbage trees and tree ferns (1).

Restricted to small and fragmented subpopulations on St Helena (1).

Classified as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List (1).

The threat of alien plants outcompeting remaining subpopulations of dwarf jellico on St Helena is one of the primary concerns for this species. All the sub-populations grow on rocky outcrops where they face the additional threat of landslides. Concerns have also been raised that dwarf jellico is under threat from hybridisation with another St Helena endemic, large jellico (Sium bracteatum) (1).

Sium burchellii, known commonly as dwarf jellico, is a species of flowering plant in the family Apiaceae. It is endemic to Saint Helena. It grows on steep island cliffs. It is threatened by the fragmentation of its small populations, introduced species of plants, landslides, and possibly hybridization with Sium bracteatum.